In a landmark gesture aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and promoting sports development, the British High Commission has made a generous donation of jerseys, boots, rugby balls, and other essential equipment to the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF).
The initiative is part of a strategic partnership with UK-based charity, SOS Kit Aid, known for supporting emerging rugby nations across the globe.
The symbolic handover ceremony took place in Abuja where British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, expressed the UK’s commitment to fostering grassroots sports development and social inclusion through rugby. She applauded Nigeria’s rapid rise in African rugby, noting the country’s remarkable climb from 24th to 8th position in just under three years.
“Over 120 countries around the world now play rugby. There’s no reason why Nigeria shouldn’t be one of the leading nations on the continent and a force globally,” Lever said. “It’s been exciting to witness the growth of rugby in Nigeria, especially with initiatives aimed at encouraging young girls and women to take up the sport. Rugby builds character, promotes discipline, and teaches the value of teamwork, all of which are qualities that benefit society at large.”
She also emphasized the British Government’s belief in the power of sports as a unifying force and a tool for youth empowerment. “Rugby’s core values—respect, integrity, resilience—mirror those needed to build a strong and inclusive society. By investing in sports, we are investing in the future of communities.”
Representing the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Mohammed Maigidasama, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Sports, commended the British High Commission and SOS Kit Aid for their support. He described the donation as timely and impactful, especially for a sport like rugby which is still developing in Nigeria.
“With over 40 sports federations under our purview, this support for rugby is a big encouragement,” he said. “We sincerely thank the British High Commission for this gesture, and we hope it can be extended to other federations in the near future. These kits will go a long way in aiding training programs and national team preparation.”
Earlier in his welcome remarks, NRFF General Manager Azeez Ladipo traced the journey that led to the donation. He revealed that the process began with an application submitted in March 2024 to SOS Kit Aid. Through diplomatic collaboration and logistical support provided by the British High Commission, the equipment was delivered to Nigeria at no cost to the NRFF.
“This is a major milestone for us,” Ladipo said. “We are especially grateful for the role played by the British High Commission in ensuring these kits made it to our shores. It’s partnerships like this that give life to our ambitions for rugby in Nigeria.”
He went on to highlight several achievements under the current administration led by NRFF President Dr. Ademola Are, which include:
Climbing from 24th to 8th in Africa’s rugby rankings in less than three years.
Launching the Rugby Rising Play Programme, a girls-only initiative currently running in 15 states across Nigeria targeting teenagers aged 10 to 18.
Appointing Steve Lewis, a two-time USA Rugby Coach of the Year, as head coach of the Nigerian national rugby team.
Reviving the women’s rugby programme, which had been dormant for several years.
Winning the President’s Cup against Ghana, reaffirming Nigeria’s position as a growing force in African rugby.
The event concluded with a symbolic handover of kits to state representatives present at the ceremony, sparking excitement among young players and coaches who lauded the gesture as timely and transformative.
As Nigeria’s rugby story continues to unfold, this collaboration with the British High Commission marks a promising chapter—one defined by opportunity, empowerment, and a shared vision for the future of the sport.
